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Surgery
“It has been a whirlwind but I am hopeful” – Gracie’s story
I have decided to laugh at the hardships of my disease because I think that's the best way to manage! Even though being at work, uni, on film sets or going out with my boyfriend and friends means I always need to know where a toilet is at all times or I may cry. I can only cry so much. I miss broccoli. I miss fibre, spicy foods, salami, I miss it all! And mostly I miss not being in pain. I also miss not pooping my pants.
“Some would say I’m unlucky to have gotten sick; I say I’m lucky I lived.” – Trent’s story
It’s hard to fathom how much you take living a “normal life” for granted. Being able to sit down and enjoy a meal, go to the footy on a Saturday, enjoy a beer without worrying about what’s to come, or just sit on the couch with your wife after dinner watching TV. It’s little things like this you don’t realise how good they are until you can’t do them.
“I want to be someone who talks about it” – Cody Ramsey’s story
"Losing 29 kilograms in a matter of weeks, surviving multiple surgeries and an eight month stint in hospital, he is set to make what may be the greatest comeback in rugby league history."
“Thankfully I received that amazing gift”: Transplant Australia Football Club player and Chairman Ante Kelic
"It can be powerful for people to see recipients with similar interests and passions, who have come out the other side."
“If you feel something isn’t right with your body or your child’s, stick to your guns and don’t back down” – Kelly and Xavier’s story
Our family has always been there to support us. During our hospital admissions, they’d be there in a heartbeat and would do everything they could to keep us, and Xavier entertained. In saying that, no one in the family has had IBD, so we’re working out what we can do together.
“I’ve managed to do so many things I wanted to do” – Tom’s story
At one point I was super low, and I got out of it. I thought I'd never be able to perform again. I'd never be able to travel, and I wouldn't be able to leave the house. I've been able to do all of that. I've managed to do so many things I wanted to do – that I never thought I could do. By sharing how I feel, I hope that people will draw some hope from that.
“Their stories have filled me with confidence that this was the right decision for me” – Beatrice’s story
I have met some amazing people throughout this journey, both patients and professionals alike, and their stories have filled me with confidence that this was the right decision for me. Life with a stoma is certainly not an easy one, and also not an easy decision to make. In my case I can't imagine life without it, and I look forward to see where life takes us.
“Going through all of this has made me more empathetic towards my patients” – Rebekah’s story
I’m in my final year of studying to become a nurse/midwife. Going through all of this has made me more empathetic towards my patients because I have been where they are.
“I’ve almost lost my life a few times, so I’m determined to tick off my goals” – Bree’s story
"I think it has made me a more resilient person. I’ve almost lost my life a few times, so I’m determined to tick off my goals. You never know what the next day will bring, and there’s extra motivation to live every day to its fullest."
Marion’s way
Marion Pilowsky battled through Crohn's to film her documentary to educate about Crohn's and be inspired to achieve the unachievable
Living with Ulcerative Colitis
Tony McLeod tells his story of dealing with food allergies leading to an ulcerative colitis diagnosis explaining his adversities that the diagnosis caused
We are WARRIORS
Andrea Kewish explains her story of overcoming Crohn's and issues that are a consequence of her diagnosis